In the coming months, Iowa voters will go to the polls to vote for governor, other statewide offices, four U.S. House seats, a number of offices in the state Legislature, and a host of local seats.

Here's everything you need to know on how to vote, including Iowa's new rules requiring identification to cast a ballot.

WHEN CAN I VOTE? Starting Monday, Oct. 8 and up until election day Nov. 6 you can vote absentee in person at your county auditor's office. You can also request an absentee ballot up until Oct. 27 and mail or deliver that back to your county auditor's office. Mailed ballots must be post-marked by Nov. 5 and received by your county by Nov. 13 to be counted.

If you are mailing your absentee ballot after Oct. 27, bring it to a post office instead of just placing it in your mailbox and ask them to postmark the ballot. A postmark is a stamp the post office uses to indicate when something was put in the hands of the U.S. Postal Service.

Polls are open statewide from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 6. The Secretary of State's office provides an online resource to find your polling place.

WHAT DO I NEED? This year is a soft rollout for the state's new voter ID rules, which means ID is not a requirement to vote in 2018. However, precinct officials will still ask every voter for a form of identification. That can be:

Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID card

U.S. passport

U.S. military ID or veteran ID

Out-of-state ID with proof of residency

ID card issued by an employer, Iowa high school, or college if it has an expiration date

Tribal ID card

WHAT IF I FORGET MY ID? A voter who does not have an ID card can sign an oath swearing their identity before casting a ballot. This will not be allowed in 2019.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE AN ID? After this year, the county auditor will issue an Iowa Voter ID PIN card to all registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID. Contact your local county auditor with questions.

DO I NEED AN ID TO VOTE ABSENTEE? No. The ID section of the request form is now optional.

I'M GOING TO BE OUT OF TOWN ON ELECTION DAY. CAN I STILL VOTE? The deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on Oct. 27, and the in-person absentee ballot deadline is Nov. 5. The Secretary of State's office has an online look-up tool to allow you to track your absentee ballot.

CAN I STILL REGISTER TO VOTE? Yes. Pre-registration for the November election lasts until 5 p.m. on Oct. 27. To pre-register, a voter has to complete a voter registration form and return it to their county auditor's office. Then, the county auditor will send you a voter registration card within two weeks, according to the Secretary of State's website.

Iowa also offers same-day registration at all polling places. You need a photo ID and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, bank statement or lease. A registered voter who lives in the same precinct as you do can also attest to your identity and residence.

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WHY WOULD I NEED TO UPDATE MY VOTER REGISTRATION? If you change your name, your address or party affiliation, you must update your voter registration. To do so, you can send a paper form to your county auditor or submit a new voter registration online.

If you had to update your voter registration, you may be asked to show identification which shows your name and current address. Accepted identification forms for registration updates are:

Current and valid photo ID

Utility bill

Bank statement

Paycheck

Government check or other government document

I HAVEN'T PICKED A PARTY. CAN I STILL VOTE? Voters registered as "no party" can participate in the general election.

WHAT IF I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH VOTING? Start by contacting your county auditor's office. If you still need help, call the secretary of state's election office, 515-281-0145 or 888-767-8683.